Kehilaton: 7/25/09 - Temple Beth Israel

Dear Friends,

This week we are in the middle of what the tradition calls the "Three Weeks". These are the weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av.

In the Talmud BT Taanit 29b, it is written: "When the month of Av begins, joy is decreased."

From Rosh Chodesh Av, which was on Wednesday, July 22nd, the semi-mourning period is extended up to the 9th of Av.

Here are some Halachik tips to follow:

Except for Shabbat or at a se’udat mitzvah (a mandated celebratory meal, like a B’rit Milah), we abstain from eating meat or drinking wine.
We refrain from getting haircuts during the first Nine Days of Av.
Weddings and other joyous celebrations should not take place during this period.
The Shabbat previous to the 9th of Av is called "Shabbat Chazon", The Shabbat of the Vision (from the Prophet Isaiah).
Three special Haftarot are chanted before the 9th of Av – these being called the "Haftarot of Rebuke".
Seven special Haftarot are chanted following the 9th of Av – these being called the "Haftarot of Consolation."

Why is the 9th of Av so sad?

The Mishnah of Ta’anit 4:6 lists five specific situations that befell the Jewish People on that day:

"On the ninth of Av, it was decreed against our ancestors that they should not enter the land; the First and Second Temples were destroyed; Betar was captured; and the city was ploughed over."

When Av begins, our joy decreases.

For that reason, I would like to invite you all to our 9th of Av SERVICE at Temple Beth Israel. It will take place next Wednesday, July 29th at 7:30pm in the Founder’s Room (JCC Administration Building, 2nd Floor). If you’ve never participated in one of these services, I would encourage you to do so. Not only because we will be reading the Book of Lamentations from the Bible, but also for the experience that it will bring to you.

Following the service, we will study together, and during our Minyan on Thursday Morning (July 30th), we will pray the special prayer for the 9th of Av at 8 AM also in the Founder’s Room.

If we survived as a People for so long, it is a testament to our ability to remember. So, let’s remember the 9th of Av, once again, and following it, let’s begin again to increase our joy!

Shabbat Shalom!


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